Machiavellian I

Donellan Grey didn't have the best of childhoods growing up. 

Growing up as an only child meant having to bare the responsibilities of being the next heir and the pressure of keeping appearances, which meant he always held the expectation of being the best in every aspect of life.

The weight of never being allowed to fail at anything wasn't easy either. 

From the day he was able to form a sentence, Donellan was trained to be the best in academics, magic and swordsmanship which meant he didn't have any leisure time to play and have fun like the other kids in his age.

Facing the constant rebukes and scoldings from his father everyday and then going several hours stuck in his room to study after caused him great mental and emotional stress.

Just when he thought he could no longer tolerate the abuse, he met Sylia Anteros a girl who was his exact opposite.

Even though she came from a distinguished family with her father being the head of the military police, and was expected to take over one day, she wore a bright smile and the aura around her was always warm and filled with sunshine.

She was a breath of fresh air to Donellan who always felt suffocated. 

Her presence brought him comfort and he enjoyed her company.

She was nothing like those annoying flies who buzzed around him and tried to get close to him because of his name and status.

She was genuine and didn't hide her intentions which he found refreshing. 

She wasn't a difficult person to read which gave him peace of mind because he didn't need to keep up appearances around her. He could just be himself. At least that's what he thought at the time.

They didn't quite get along at first, but not too long after Sylvia's efforts in trying to befriend him, he caved and they became the closest friends. 

They went to classes together, studied together and even went on outings off campus on days off. 

Their relationship was strong and he felt like he could trust her completely with anything. 

On one particular day when Donellan came to school after one of his father's scoldings that went a little further this time, seeing his swollen face, Sylia who looked visibly worried could no longer hold back her curiosity and asked him outright what was going on at home. 

Usually Donellan would've dismissed her question or would have played it off as a little accident due to his inattention but for some reason, something possessed him to be truthful and tell her what was going on. 

She listened to him intently and gave him her undivided attention making him feel comfortable enough to divulge even more.

He even expressed his feelings towards his father. Contempt, resentment, anger and sadness. 

When he was done, Sylvia's usual warm and sunny face turned dark. He was surprised since he had never seen her with that expression before.

She looked angry, furious even. And if he had paid closer attention, he would've seen a glint of possessiveness in her eyes but like a fool he missed it. 

Sylia let him know that she was glad that he trusted her enough to tell her and that she was sorry that he was going through something like this alone. 

She assured him that she would do anything in her power to keep him safe and at the time these words brought him great comfort. 

Little did he know the girl he came to like would take those words literally. 

It all started with the day Sylia came over to visit the Grey home for the first time.

Donellan who was hesitant about asking his father permission to bring a friend over was surprised when he actually agreed. 

Sylia had assured him prior to this that he'd definitely get permission if he asked and like she promised, he did. 

Donellan was a little surprised but this event didn't alarm him in the slightest.

He was too focused on the fact that he could finally experience what the kids his age were doing, which was inviting a friend over. 

The day went well with them having a little picnic in the garden of the estate and then going to library to read as well as Sylia sitting in on his sword training.

The day ended with the three of them having dinner together. When it was time for Sylia to go home, she told Donellan that she was going to speak to his father for a bit before leaving. 

Ten minutes later, she came skipping towards him, giving him a big hug and telling him she would come over again. 

Unbeknownst to Donellan, the look on his father's face was visibly troubled but once again, Donellan missed it because he was focused on the girl in front of him who had just hugged him for the first time. 

It was after this incident that things started to change in the Grey household. 

Donellan was no longer being abused by his father and was being rewarded with privileges such as going on outings with Sylia every weekend. 

Donellan was a bright child and had the senses of an adult so normally a sudden change like this would've alarmed him and he would start questioning these changes like any other person would in his situation.

However, every time he would bring it up, Sylia would convince him that his father had a change of heart since he was getting older and disciplining him was no longer needed. 

And like the fool Donellan was, he believed her lies and deception.

He was happy and for once in his life he could experience freedom. That was all that mattered to him. And Sylia was well aware of that fact. 

Years had gone by like this and they had become young adults.

One day, Sylia asked him about his thoughts on marriage. Donellan who had seen through her, asked her in turn if she wanted to get married. She smiled at him, her face lighting up. 

"Yes, I would like to get married." 

They got married a year later.